I don't know what version of Linux you tried opus512, but if you haven't seen it you should take Ubuntu for a test drive. It really is as easy to use as windows. I help out a technophobic friend with her laptop. After reinstalling windows on two different occaions because of virus and malware problems, I switched her over to Ubuntu. She's had absolutely no problems.

For most users, Ubuntu can do everything Windows can do just as easily, if not easier. Web browsing and office applications are the mainstay of most users computer use and Firefox and Open Office will work for them just fine.

Browsing for and installing new software via the application manager is a snap. In a matter of minutes I can find and install software to do pretty much any task I can think of. Upgrading to the newest version of the OS takes minutes and is achieved with the touch of a single button.

Even the driver issues have greatly improved over the last couple of years. I've now done 6 different installs of Ubuntu and have had almost no issues [on my friends machine I had to download new firmware for the DVD player].

I made the switch a year ago and rarely need to go into the command line. When I do, its usually because I'm doing stuff that casual users wouldn't attempt.